SWAT officer Cole Westling walks a fine line of control. If his wife knew exactly what he wanted to do to her, he’d lose the most precious thing in his life. Instead, he throws himself into work.

Tanya Westling did not leave her job as a globe-trotting humanitarian to spend her nights playing roller derby and sleeping alone. Armed with a few adult toys and a prayer, she challenges him to a sensual game that will strip away their ideas of what sex should be.

Cole’s surprised but it’s his dream come true. With each sexual encounter, the walls between them come crumbling down and each must face the truth of what their marriage has been and what it could be.

Inside Scoop: Contains an alpha hero who wants sex at all hours and a heroine who knows what she wants, just not the words to get it. Also depicts criminal activity, the strong arm of the law and a self-rescuing heroine.

Tanya has found an emotional family with her Roller Derby teammates. As Hot Tango – her derby alter ego – everything seems simpler, and the fact Tanya’s marriage with Cole is falling into a heap can be forgotten for a short while. Talked into going to a sex shop, Tanya finds Pandora’s Box – a sexy adult game she hopes will get her and Cole communicating better in and out of the bedroom. As a SWAT team leader, Cole has a horrendous 24/7 on call duty, but he loves his wife desperately, and if playing a few naughty games will help them, he’s all for it.

This book moves slowly, but really lingers over the details, showing the reader both Tanya and Cole’s points of view. It’s clear from the outset they love each other dearly, but real life has stopped them from having the story-book marriage and happy ever after they both wished for. Adding a bit of spice into their relationship and communicating better, Tanya and Cole both want to increase their intimacy and enjoy their sexual relationship better. As a reader I did find the pace a little slow, but can’t fault the author for the depth of detail. The story isn’t padded, I didn’t feel as if there was filler everywhere to stretch the tale out, just a slow, meandering pace as Tanya and Cole rediscovered their relationship.

This is a story that revolves around the relationship – and problems – between Tanya and Cole. While there is a small plot interwoven about the Olympics and Cole’s work in SWAT, it’s predominantly about how Tanya and Cole try to revive and save their marriage and sexual relationship. Readers looking for an action packed, fast paced story might not find this suits their taste, but for readers who enjoy relationship-centered storylines should find this pleasing. While I personally found the bondage and experimentation is tame, it’s certainly hot enough to keep the flames burning. There’s plenty of sex here, but more there’s tenderness and sensitivity shown in the reconnection between Tanya and Cole. I also really liked how it wasn’t some quick fix, Tanya buying the game, them experimenting a bit and bam – perfect marriage. While I would have liked the pace of the story faster, once in a while it’s lovely to go slow and smell the roses. Recommended.

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Review Star Rating Definitions

1 Star – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If it’s DNF or a “wall-banger” we decline to review.

2 Stars — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you’d re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library – not buy- and never check out again. You might recommend it to a friend with a mention of the glitches, knowing that something in the plot or story would still appeal to them regardless.

3 Stars — Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There’s a chance you’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars — Very Good. You’re glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars — Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book – For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you’re not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise – and reserved for only a few.

Review Heat Level Descriptions

SWEET: no visual love scenes and no descriptive kissing;

SENSUAL: Contains a high degree of sexual tension, steamy kisses and passionate clinches, but all fully consummated love scenes will be implied, not described, and with the bedroom door firmly closed.

SPICY: Contains actual love scenes and may include detailed descriptions of foreplay and consummation.

HOT: Contains sizzling and very detailed love scenes throughout and graphic, explicit content which may be offensive to some.

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FTC Disclaimer:

Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. On occasion, we review books we have purchased with our own money or borrowed from a public library. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.